Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Gabi Herrera L&S Biological Sciences

Structural Organelle Disruption in Bortezomib-Treated DRG Neurons

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common yet debilitating side effect experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy. Primary sensory neurons are particularly vulnerable to neuropathic side effects.
Using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), my project seeks to understand how chemotherapy agents alter the cytoskeletal organization of primary sensory neurons. Specifically, I aim to use this cryo-ET data to map damage to the microtubule cytoskeleton, as well as characterize structural damage to critical organelles such as the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. By identifying these structural changes, my project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying CIPN.

Message To Sponsor

I wanted to extend my gratitude for your support of my research project this summer. Your generosity has made it possible for me to continue my work on understanding how chemotherapy drugs damage the nerve cells that transmit pain signals in cancer patients, gaining valuable experience in cryo-electron tomography. I am truly passionate about this research and look forward to sharing my progress with you at the end of the summer.